PG - Raymond Felton, Oklahoma City Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Russell Westbrook is still a doubt to return to the Thunder lineup against the Cavs, which means Felton will likely continue to deputize. The veteran guard had a huge game against the Grizzlies as he went for 14 points, six rebounds, and eight assists. The Cleveland defense showed marked improvement against the Celtics, but if Felton gets enough playing time, he’ll have the chance to rack up numbers for a Thunder team that’s severely short of options at the moment.
Also consider: Dejounte Murray, San Antonio Spurs @ Denver Nuggets
Murray had a decent enough return after a sprained ankle as he had 12 points, three rebounds, and four assists last night against the Jazz. He’ll be a bit of a risk with the Spurs going on the second night of a back-to-back, but a matchup with a Nuggets team that’s been pretty generous to opposing point guards for most of the year is too tempting to pass up.
SG - Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks
Harden is the clear No. 1 option at shooting guard, but Middleton has the chance to be right there behind him. After flirting with a triple-double with 21 points, nine boards, and seven assists with two steals against the Magic, Middleton has another decent matchup against Atlanta. Middleton also flirted with a triple-double in his first meeting with the Hawks as he dropped 27 points, seven boards, nine assists, and two steals.
Also consider: Rodney Hood, Cleveland Cavaliers @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Hood carried on in his debut for Cleveland where he left off with the Jazz. The swingman had 15 points in 19 minutes against the Celtics and has now scored 63 points in his last 69 minutes on the court. There’s the possibility of a lot of garbage time if the Cavs take care of the potentially shorthanded Thunder as quickly as they did the Celtics. If so, Hood will have a chance to feast against an OKC team which has struggled against opposing shooting guards ever since Andre Roberson went down.
SF - Jimmy Butler, Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets
After his emotional and remarkable performance against the Bulls – 38 points, seven rebounds, five assists, four steals – Butler predictably fell back down to earth against the Kings. But even with his so-so effort against Sacramento, Butler still has some outstanding numbers in February, with nearly 30 points, six boards, five assists, and two steals in his first five games. Butler should be back to full throttle for the Wolves’ big showdown with the Rockets, who have had a lot of trouble covering opposing small forwards lately.
Also consider: Jerami Grant, Oklahoma City Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Grant is getting the chance to play in Melo’s absence, and while he hasn’t been able to capitalize in his last two games against the Lakers and Grizzlies, he still possesses some decent upside. He’ll likely play a good deal of minutes against the Cavs to cover LeBron James. That additional playing time could be just what he needs to string together a strong stat line.
PF – Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks vs Sacramento Kings
It’s slim pickings at the power forward spot tonight. It’s so rough that Dwight Powell might actually be the best option available. Seriously. But if you’re scared off by just how high his price has risen, then perhaps his teammate Dirk Nowitzki can be a decent alternative. Dirk has been turning back the clock with his recent performances, averaging 16 points and seven boards on 56 percent shooting in his last four games.
Also consider: Davis Bertans, San Antonio Spurs @ Denver Nuggets
Bertans has been getting a lot of burn recently, and it’s showing in his fantasy numbers. He’s exceeded the 20s in FanDuel in each of his last three games. He’s already had an 18-point game against the Nuggets this season, and with enough playing time, he could just provide similar production for the shorthanded Spurs.
C-Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets
Aside from a quiet game in Chicago, Towns has been terrific in February. He’s putting up 23.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 2.4 3-pointers over his last five games. He also has a nice habit of turning it on in the big games. He’s had 30-10 double-doubles against the Cavs and Warriors. He also lit up the Rockets for 22 points, 16 boards, five blocks, and two steals in a ridiculous fantasy night last month. It might be a bit greedy to expect quite the same night from him, but he should still provide more than enough value even if he takes a slight dip in production.
Also consider: Pau Gasol, San Antonio Spurs @ Denver Nuggets
It remains to be seen whether Gasol will even play given that it’s the second night of a back-to-back. But with LeMarcus Aldridge gone, Gasol will likely get the call. He certainly answered last night by going for 15 points, 15 boards, six assists, and two blocks against the Jazz. It’ll be tough for him to top that stat line, but he did go for 18 points, eight boards, and four assists a couple weeks ago against the Nuggets, so could yet pull it off again.
What are your thoughts about tonight’s fantasy slate? Share them in the comments below!